I’m usually wary of making any type of promises to myself. But something felt different about this year, so I thought why not? I started making a list that looked like a bucket list and realized none of that is going to happen, so I limited myself to 5 realistic goals. Here we go:

01: TAKE MORE PHOTOS. I’m married to a photographer and I’m a blogger and yet we just don’t take photos outside of work. In fact, we just got back from a three day vacation where we didn’t snap one real photo. That changes this year. More photos, more sharing. Keep me accountable, k?
02: REST. I learned the importance of this four letter word last year while healing and recovering. People, you’ve got to rest. Or you will be a monster and no one will like you. Also, it’s good for your mind, body and soul. Plus, naps and going to bed early and watching brain-melt TV every once in a while is fun and good for your soul. 
03: BE HEALTHY. I had a much longer resolution that involved way more words and things like ‘paleo’ and ‘run your ass off’ but this seemed daunting and let’s be honest, I don’t do daunting. Instead I’m going to try a different approach to myself this year and just challenge myself to be healthy. No end game here, just try to make healthy choices every day. 
04: FINISH WHAT YOU START: I’m quite notorious around my parts for starting something or throwing out an idea and then not following it through. It could be fear of the unknown or just maybe it’s unknown, but I’d really like to finish the projects that I have on my mind for this year. I’d also like to finish a freaking book for once. 
05: BE FREE. This year I want to be myself, free from anything that doesn’t let me be who I am. I want to free myself from comparison, fear, or anything else that holds me back.  It’s a big goal, but I think 2014 is a big year. 
________________
So friends, what are yours? 

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100 Responses

  1. I like this idea! Sounds like a list that is easy to do, and easy to keep up with throughout the year.

    My list is looking a lot more bucket list than resolutions too – but I’m okay with that. 🙂

  2. Dearest Kendi – I truly love your posts. I can’t help but point out that you mention taking more photos….in a post with no photos.

    Keeping you Accountable 😉
    Theresa

  3. Simple enough but precise. I think sometimes we make huge lists and never see the ending of them. Thanks for sharing Kendi, excited to see other photos besides your outfits :)!

  4. Ah, this year is definitely going to be defined by grace for me. I’ve been just a little too hard on myself the last 3 years running … so I think its time to offer myself a little breathing room. I’m certainly not perfect – I think I’ll stop trying to be.
    Great list. Just found your blog – I look forward to reading more in the future!

  5. Marvelous list. Especially the low-key “be healthy” goal. And I’m loving the “free from comparison” goal too! Rock on, girly!

  6. I love #5. In fact, I might make it one of my resolutions! Thank you for sharing.

  7. I love everything about this post!! I think these are great and attainable goal–that will make life all that much better!! I have loved following you and your blog this year–you are a true inspiration, not to mention halarious!!

    Tori
    FashionBlingGirlyThings

  8. Oh this is fantastic!! I’ve been struggling trying put words to my hopes for this new year… I couldn’t agree more with what you said! Well done and thanks for sharing!
    Hope
    hchdesigns.blogspot.com

  9. 2014
    I will NOT renew my gym membership
    Gain a few pounds
    Get flexible
    Facebook much less, read a lot more
    Put my phone away after 8 pm
    Play outside at least 15 minutes a day, with or without kids
    Less coffee, more tea
    Eat a healthier breakfast
    Only respond to invites via phone calls or paper
    Simplify

  10. I want to be more hopeful and honest about what I want in my life. I still haven’t written down specific goals for this year, but I think everything is going to be shaped around that.

  11. Excellent goals. The goal to be free and not fear really stands out to me. I suffered fear of the unknown for many years after failing to become pregnant after trying everything, and being told i was unexplained. I felt void and began shopping and spending money like mad so i could try and numb or distract my fears. I realized that fear was affecting my body and stressing me. There is a book i recommend, its called a fear not degree is better then a ph.d. fear is the worst enemy and i think its so important to set a goal not to fear. Life has a way of working out for the better and praying and being close to God really helps. God knows all pain and he will help us thru anything if we let him. Faith, not fear.

  12. I like this idea! Sounds like a list that is easy to do, and easy to keep up with throughout the year.

    My list is looking a lot more bucket list than resolutions too – but I'm okay with that. 🙂

  13. Dearest Kendi – I truly love your posts. I can't help but point out that you mention taking more photos….in a post with no photos.

    Keeping you Accountable 😉
    Theresa

  14. Simple enough but precise. I think sometimes we make huge lists and never see the ending of them. Thanks for sharing Kendi, excited to see other photos besides your outfits :)!

  15. Ah, this year is definitely going to be defined by grace for me. I've been just a little too hard on myself the last 3 years running … so I think its time to offer myself a little breathing room. I'm certainly not perfect – I think I'll stop trying to be.
    Great list. Just found your blog – I look forward to reading more in the future!

  16. I look forward to seeing more photos on your blog. Great goals for the new year!

  17. I love #5. In fact, I might make it one of my resolutions! Thank you for sharing.

  18. I love everything about this post!! I think these are great and attainable goal–that will make life all that much better!! I have loved following you and your blog this year–you are a true inspiration, not to mention halarious!!

    Tori
    FashionBlingGirlyThings

  19. Oh this is fantastic!! I've been struggling trying put words to my hopes for this new year… I couldn't agree more with what you said! Well done and thanks for sharing!
    Hope
    hchdesigns.blogspot.com

  20. I want to read more, save more and learn more. I try to keep resolutions simple as to not disappoint come December.
    Also, I do paleo about 80-90% of the time and it’s really pretty easy, plus you can eat bacon which what other healthy eating plan can you eat bacon on? none.

    xo, Nina

    afterthe40barfinish

  21. 2014
    I will NOT renew my gym membership
    Gain a few pounds
    Get flexible
    Facebook much less, read a lot more
    Put my phone away after 8 pm
    Play outside at least 15 minutes a day, with or without kids
    Less coffee, more tea
    Eat a healthier breakfast
    Only respond to invites via phone calls or paper
    Simplify

  22. I want to be more hopeful and honest about what I want in my life. I still haven't written down specific goals for this year, but I think everything is going to be shaped around that.

  23. Good for you, I know the feeling! I don’t normally make resolutions for the year, I guess I just take it month by month. Rest and health are amazing resolutions, though! We went Paleo last Christmas and it’s been an amazing year since. It’s not that daunting, really–just cut out the foods that make you feel like crap (same foods for many people, but not all) and eat real, nutrient-dense food. It’s like magic! But no need for a buzzword, health is the real goal! Best wishes!

  24. I’m no longer going to beat myself up and I’m taking it day by day. My 2014 philosophy is to be the best me everyday. Somedays that me will be the person I always want to be, and somedays that may mean stopping at 2 glasses of wine or not totally finishing the ice cream. It’s about being good to myself and trying to have a few small good choices add up to big good choices in my life 🙂

    I even made myself a sparkly sign to put on my dresser to remind myself everyday (for like $5): http://createandcovet.com/2013/12/31/getting-ready-for-2014/

    We tend to be far too hard on ourselves, and I’m sick of being my own enemy. This year I become my own friend. <3

  25. Great resolutions girl! I definitely added a few of those to my own list. Another goal of mine though is to not be afraid to share the things I’m proud of!

    2014, here we go.

    -Emily
    emilyorzel.tumblr.com

  26. Excellent goals. The goal to be free and not fear really stands out to me. I suffered fear of the unknown for many years after failing to become pregnant after trying everything, and being told i was unexplained. I felt void and began shopping and spending money like mad so i could try and numb or distract my fears. I realized that fear was affecting my body and stressing me. There is a book i recommend, its called a fear not degree is better then a ph.d. fear is the worst enemy and i think its so important to set a goal not to fear. Life has a way of working out for the better and praying and being close to God really helps. God knows all pain and he will help us thru anything if we let him. Faith, not fear.

  27. I want to read more, save more and learn more. I try to keep resolutions simple as to not disappoint come December.
    Also, I do paleo about 80-90% of the time and it's really pretty easy, plus you can eat bacon which what other healthy eating plan can you eat bacon on? none.

    xo, Nina

    afterthe40barfinish

  28. Good for you, I know the feeling! I don't normally make resolutions for the year, I guess I just take it month by month. Rest and health are amazing resolutions, though! We went Paleo last Christmas and it's been an amazing year since. It's not that daunting, really–just cut out the foods that make you feel like crap (same foods for many people, but not all) and eat real, nutrient-dense food. It's like magic! But no need for a buzzword, health is the real goal! Best wishes!

  29. Good list – particularly like resolving to be generally healthier rather than losing a certain number of pounds or logging x amount of running per week, etc…

    My resolution is the same as mine last year – to be happy. To strive to be able to say that at the end of the day/week/month/year, despite ups and downs, that I am generally happy with myself and my life. Big picture. Worked last year!

    Melanie x
    Style to Stage

  30. I'm no longer going to beat myself up and I'm taking it day by day. My 2014 philosophy is to be the best me everyday. Somedays that me will be the person I always want to be, and somedays that may mean stopping at 2 glasses of wine or not totally finishing the ice cream. It's about being good to myself and trying to have a few small good choices add up to big good choices in my life 🙂

    I even made myself a sparkly sign to put on my dresser to remind myself everyday (for like $5): http://createandcovet.com/2013/12/31/getting-ready-for-2014/

    We tend to be far too hard on ourselves, and I'm sick of being my own enemy. This year I become my own friend. <3

  31. Great resolutions girl! I definitely added a few of those to my own list. Another goal of mine though is to not be afraid to share the things I'm proud of!

    2014, here we go.

    -Emily
    emilyorzel.tumblr.com

  32. I don’t know if its just a freaky coincidence but it seems like we have the same resolutions bar more photos (i’m thinking I should maybe take less? I know, the horror) But from other blogs I think we all seem to be thinking along the same lines, that 2014 is for living! So I think this year is tuning up to be pretty fabulous if I do say so myself 🙂

    Great post, can’t wait to see what 2014 brings kendi fashion wise!

    therealjlow.wordpress.com

  33. Good list – particularly like resolving to be generally healthier rather than losing a certain number of pounds or logging x amount of running per week, etc…

    My resolution is the same as mine last year – to be happy. To strive to be able to say that at the end of the day/week/month/year, despite ups and downs, that I am generally happy with myself and my life. Big picture. Worked last year!

    Melanie x
    Style to Stage

  34. Great resolutions. I like the getting healthier, I know it’s on my list. Stop by and check it out.

    Happy New Year!!!!!

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

  35. I love those! Simple but to the point. I’m still working on firming my resolutions up… I suppose that’s a ding against your #4. Whoops! 🙂 I think I better add that one to my list too.

    coffeeteaturquoiseme.com

  36. I don't know if its just a freaky coincidence but it seems like we have the same resolutions bar more photos (i'm thinking I should maybe take less? I know, the horror) But from other blogs I think we all seem to be thinking along the same lines, that 2014 is for living! So I think this year is tuning up to be pretty fabulous if I do say so myself 🙂

    Great post, can't wait to see what 2014 brings kendi fashion wise!

    therealjlow.wordpress.com

  37. Great goals! Simple and to the point, I agree with finishing what you started. I tend to have that problem too, I can’t remember the last time I finished an entire book, heck I can’t even remember the last time I finished a magazine and that’s something that really requires little to no effort. Taking the the time out to enjoy the little things like reading a book or magazine is definitely on my 2014 list of goals. 🙂

    Happy New Year!

    xx
    Ashlei
    Kinks are the new Pink

  38. Great resolutions. I like the getting healthier, I know it's on my list. Stop by and check it out.

    Happy New Year!!!!!

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

  39. I love those! Simple but to the point. I'm still working on firming my resolutions up… I suppose that's a ding against your #4. Whoops! 🙂 I think I better add that one to my list too.

  40. Great goals! Simple and to the point, I agree with finishing what you started. I tend to have that problem too, I can't remember the last time I finished an entire book, heck I can't even remember the last time I finished a magazine and that's something that really requires little to no effort. Taking the the time out to enjoy the little things like reading a book or magazine is definitely on my 2014 list of goals. 🙂

    Happy New Year!

    xx
    Ashlei
    Kinks are the new Pink

  41. "Finish what you start" is definitely on my list for 2014 … I am always excited to start new projects and get into new things, but I never completely finish whatever it is I'm doing :p

  42. The last one is my favourite. That’s what I want for myself as well…to be free. To let go and live life the way I am meant to. 🙂

  43. The last one is my favourite. That's what I want for myself as well…to be free. To let go and live life the way I am meant to. 🙂

  44. The last two years I’ve had really long lists of goals that were difficult to track and often forgotten. This year, I did much like you and went with a shorter, more attainable list. Here’s hoping we can both stick to it!

  45. The last two years I've had really long lists of goals that were difficult to track and often forgotten. This year, I did much like you and went with a shorter, more attainable list. Here's hoping we can both stick to it!

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